Summer Recipes You Have to Try

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Apartment living doesn’t have to mean sacrificing delicious homemade summer meals. You can whip up some amazing dishes in the comfort of your Vela on Camelback kitchen with some good recipes and a few ingredients. In the mood for a cook-out instead? Head down to the courtyard and light up one of the gas grills for a summer barbecue!

Delicious Recipes for the Summer

Fresh fruits and vegetables are more abundant in the summer, and this time of year offers many chances to incorporate them into new dishes and family favorites. Good food is the backbone of summer picnics, family reunions, and cookouts, so here are some seasonal recipes that are sure to get some taste buds dancing!

Using Your Kitchen Space to the Fullest

Cooking can be challenging in limited space in the kitchen. However, many innovative ways exist to maximize your kitchen’s potential and get more organized. New kitchen trends always offer new ways to make the most out of your area. Consider raised corner shelving or floating shelves instead of bulky cabinets. Or maybe a foldable table for extra counter space. Don’t be afraid to mix and match bold-colored kitchen linens and accessories to add personality.

Summer in Phoenix

Phoenix is packed with activities to make your summer one to remember! You can explore the stunning beauty of the desert from Camelback Mountain. If you’re looking for a cool refuge from the heat, head over to the Desert Botanical Garden and learn about the amazing flora and fauna of the desert. Phoenix summers may be hot, but the scorching temperatures are no match for all this city’s great things!

Spring Into the Season With Cleaning

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Springtime is here, and that means the natural world around us undergoes a revitalization. The weather warms, the flowers bloom, and wildlife wakes up once more! If your apartment here at Vela on Camelback could use a breath of fresh air too, spring cleaning is in order. Tidying up for the season clears away built-up clutter from the beginning of the year and reveals more space, both physical and mental. Here are some tips on how to make your spring cleaning session a breeze!

 

Try Out Cleaning Games for Kids

 

Living with little ones can pose a challenge when it comes to keeping a tidy household. If asking them to do their part sends them running for the hills, try engaging in cleaning games for kids. These add an element of fun to the mundane so that children learn to associate tidying with positivity. Plus, parents that join in get to reconnect with their own inner child!

 

DIY Cleaners for the Frugally-Minded

 

The overall feeling of spring is one where you leave behind the old to welcome the new. That can ring true with the cleaning products you use while you tidy too! Depending on store-bought cleaning products can really cut into your budget over time. Making DIY cleaners not only sparks up your creative side, but most homemade products cost pennies on the dollar to make! For example, this all-purpose spray cleaner requires just five ingredients and is perfect for wiping down kitchen and bathroom counters with a fresh citrus scent. 

 

Even More Green Cleaning Hacks

 

The best part about making the switch to homemade cleaners is that, more often than not, it’s the eco-friendly choice. While brand name household products typically contain harsh chemicals, naturally-derived grime fighters get the job done with less of an environmental impact. Check out this list of green cleaning hacks and get inspired to clean your entire household with natural powerhouses like vinegar, borax, and baking soda!

 

Once you get your spring cleaning session underway, you’ll find that the atmosphere of your apartment can shift from busy to simply serene! How are you planning on tackling that mess? Let us know in the comments!

Turn Around a Rainy Day!

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As the wet weather ramps up, staying indoors away from the rain becomes the norm. If you’re in need of ways to pass the time until the clouds pass, you’re in luck. Here are some fun things to do in Phoenix during a rainy day, both here at Vela on Camelback and beyond!

 

Cozy Up With Comfort Food

 

Sometimes, all you need to celebrate a rainy day is a window to watch the raindrops from. Cozying up in your apartment while it rains provides a comforting feeling unlike any other. Amp up the soothing factor as you lounge by preparing some comfort food! Check out these delicious recipes for ideas on what hearty homestyle meals to make, from baked meats to loaded stews.

 

Calming Yoga Here at Vela on Camelback

 

Listening to the sounds of the rain can put you into a zen state. Amplify those feelings of ease by engaging in lovely yoga practice. The 24-hour fitness studio on-site at Vela on Camelback also has studio space dedicated to yoga, making it easy to get on the mat. This rainy day practice from the popular Yoga With Adriene channel is perfect for setting a serene mood.

 

Check Out Museums in Phoenix

 

If you don’t want a rainy day to keep you from exploring the world, museums are the places to be. There are a number of interesting museums in Phoenix and nearby you can check out. For the art fans, you can’t go wrong with the Phoenix Art Museum. This location offers a wide variety of exhibits including American and international art from across the ages. And for a burst of pure fun, don’t miss out on Candytopia! This dual museum + candy kingdom is sure to delight children and adults alike. This installation is only here for a limited time, so grab those tickets quickly!

 

A rainy day doesn’t have to mean the end of fun. Indoor activities abound in Phoenix and here at Vela! What are some of your favorite things to do when wet weather hits? Let us know in the comments!

2020 Predictions and You – Transforming Your Intentions Into Reality

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Can you believe we’re almost a full month into 2020? The new decade is sure to hold a ton of promise, especially in your personal life. If the 2020 predictions you’ve made for yourself involve adopting healthier habits, read on. We’ve got tips on how to reach commonly set goals! With the right amount of dedication and patience, you’ll make those intentions a reality in your life this year.

 

Self-Care in 2020 – Treating Yourself Right

 

Do you constantly overwork yourself to the point of exhaustion? Staying productive is nice, but forgetting to treat yourself right can lead to burnout. Adopting self-care in 2020 can help recharge those batteries! A great place to start is with daily meditation. Tiny Buddha has a great post on practicing meditation for those with busy minds. By setting aside five minutes daily, preferably right at the beginning or end of the day, you’ll begin to live more in the present moment. This can increase focus, get you more in touch with yourself, and help you relax. 

 

Meal Prepping in 2020 – Anyone Can Cook

 

In the hustle and bustle of your busy life, it’s easy to reach for food delivery apps when you’re hungry. Who wants to prepare elaborate meals in the kitchen every night? But if you’re overstretching your food budget, meal prepping in 2020 is the answer. A great solution for even the extremely kitchen-phobic person is slow cooker dump meals. This list of tasty recipes makes it easy to set and forget!  You can even get the Vela on Camelback community involved! The chef-inspired common kitchen is an amenity included in your rent, so don’t be afraid to get friendly with the neighbors and throw meal prepping parties!

 

No matter what 2020 predictions you’ve made for yourself, one thing remains clear across the board – by adopting small, reachable tweaks to your regular schedule, you’ll be better equipped to making them a reality. What other intentions are you achieving this year? Let us know in the comments!

A Lovely List of Holiday Events in Phoenix

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Can you believe 2019 is coming to a close? That means seasonal holiday events in Phoenix will soon follow and fade. Luckily, this town will be chock full of fun attractions for the holidays! Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or just your sweet self, there’s plenty of seasonal tidings to take part in before this decade is over.

Family-Friendly Things to Do For the Holidays in Phoenix

There are so many interesting and seasonal things going on around Vela on Camelback this time of year! For some festive fitness fun, check out the ice rink at Westgate Entertainment District. Whether you’re new to skating or are a seasoned pro, racing around the rink with friends and family is sure to be a hit. And over at Desert Ridge Marketplace, you can get some last-minute shopping in, or simply go for a stroll, as an hourly snowfall enchants the scene! The free spectacle runs every hour on Christmas Eve, so head over for your own little taste of a white Christmas.

The City Never Sleeps on New Year’s Eve in Phoenix

NYE comes just six days after Christmas. Don’t be left out in the cold once the 31st hits by securing your spot at hot local events now! Over at The Claredon Hotel is Intergalactic 2020, a sci-fi centered NYE celebration. Featuring a retro-futuristic vibe, this event offers unlimited bubbly, gorgeous views at the Sky Deck, a burlesque show and so much more! Book your ticket and room package here. And over at the Roosevelt Row Arts District is the 2020 Homie Flannel Ball! This party’s theme throws it back to 1999, where cholo-style fashion was at its peak. Enjoy beer, games, and a midnight pinata drop by buying your tickets here!

Home for the Holidays

While going out and celebrating is always fun, homebodies can organize their own NYE and Xmas events from the comfort of their apartment here at Vela on Camelback. Consider renting a photobooth and accessories on NYE for snapshot memories your friends and family can take home to treasure well into 2020. And a pajama party & holiday movie marathon duo is sure to be a hit for guests looking to stay cozy this holiday season. There are endless ideas out there for celebrating the season, so don’t be afraid to think out of the box!

 

Whether you stay at home to party or decide to explore what Phoenix has to offer this December, be sure always to celebrate safely and use ridesharing if traveling. Have an event-full holiday season!